Soccer-Del Bosque names experimental squad for Ecuador friendly

MADRID, Aug 9 (Reuters) – Spain coach Vicente del Bosque rewarded a number of younger players with call ups to an experimental 21-man squad on Friday, for next Wednesday’s friendly away to Ecuador in Guayaquil.

The world and European champions return to action for the first time since losing the Confederations Cup final 3-0 to Brazil on June 30.

They do so with regulars such as Gerard Pique, Xavi and Sergio Busquets rested and replaced by fringe players and members of Spain’s Under-21 side, who were crowned European champions in Israel in June.

The squad was released through the team’s official Twitter feed @sefutbol.

Spain are on course to qualify for the World Cup finals in Brazil next year as they top Group I with 11 points from five games, a point ahead of France, with three left to play.

Their next qualifier is away to third-placed Finland in Helsinki on Sept 6.